Abstract

The implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) processes has been long overlooked in the KM literature. This paper describes and analyzes the implementation of a KM process within the Brazilian organizational context based on a theoretical framework entitled "The SET KM Model". Both propositions â€” a process design for KM Implementation and "The SET KM Model"‑ came out as results of different sets of studies and researches conducted by two of the authors within the past decade. The methodology, qualitative in nature, is based on the study of multiple cases with incorporated units of analysis and three criteria were observed for the judgment of the quality of the research project: validity of the construct, external validity and reliability. Multiple sources of evidence were used â€” semi‑structured interviews, extensive documental research, direct observation and participant observation â€” and data analysis consisted of three flows of activities: data reduction, data displays and conclusion drawingverification. Among others, the case study conducted at ONS is highlighted in order to discuss a successful implementation experience in its early stages. The results confirmed the frameworks proposed and the conclusions suggest that (i) within KM, what is managed it's not knowledge itself, but solely the context where knowledge emerges and is socially constructed (ba) and (ii) KM implementation processes should be developed around strategic organizational issues and involve key knowledge activists in the organizations, mainly middle‑managers composing a governance committee supported by top administration.

Editorial

The 9th ICICKM conference, held at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was well attended by participants representing over 20 different countries. The international flavor of the conference continues to ensure a diverse range of papers as well as opportunities for valuable networking. As with all ICICKM gatherings, researchers, practitioners and students of KM were brought together to discuss the KM crossroads we find ourselves at in the year 2009.

Some of the key issues that emerged from the two days included a consensus that KM has evolved so we no longer need to convince people it is needed. We now need now to know how to “do KM” – that is, how to implement knowledge management in organizations in a more informed manner. In particular, the need for more how‑to guides, detailed rules, good validated practices and an overall quasi‑standard approach to KM implementation were noted as priority needs for the KM community. In addition, particular guidance is required concerning the KM teams (who should do what?) and how best to address tacit knowledge. Other issues concerned the specific components that should be present in a KM workspace and how this workspace can address the needs of different users who need to accomplish different sorts of tasks

While participants felt that we still have to convince some senior managers, we now also need to better address how to align KM processes so as to not create overhead. For example, what is the impact of KM on other parts of the organization such as training and IT units? How can we change peoples’ behaviours and how they think about the work they do? What are the new skills/competencies needed? How can they acquire them? How to integrate KM into business processes? How to integrate KM roles within existing jobs?

The good news is that the discipline and practice of KM has evolved – the bad news is that we still have a long way to go. The focus is now on how to do KM well. Educators need to focus on student competencies, skills and roles and responsibilities. Researchers need to focus on more evidence‑based and theory‑based KM. Practitioners need to focus on feedback from users and best practices.

The collection of papers in this special conference edition address the multitude of issues we currently face, and will continue to face, in the future. There is an excellent mix of practical case studies, practical tools such as intellectual capital measurement models in addition to more conceptual and theoretical approaches to solving crucial KM problems.